Paulownia tree named ‘Anagenesis Trifolia’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of  Paulownia  tree which combines the fast growing characteristics and drought tolerance of  Paulownia  Elongata, the straight growth characteristics of  Paulownia  Fortunei and the cold tolerance of  Paulownia  Catalpifolia. The  Paulownia  Anagenesis Trifolia is characterized by its flower color and its set of tri-pod branches evenly spaced around the tree trunk as they extend up the tree trunk at approximately 120 degree increments.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Paulownia (genus), species not named.

Variety denomination: Anagenesis Trifolia.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct form of Paulownia tree from the Scrophulariaceae—Figwort Family, botanically known as Paulownia, and referred to by the variety denomination Anagenesis Trifolia. This new Paulownia tree appears to be distinct from other known species in the genus Paulownia. This new Paulownia variety produces a significant increase in fiber volume making it ideal for biomass production.

Paulownia trees are native to mainland China and Southeast Asia. They are easily identified by their large semi-heart shaped leaves and clusters of cascading mauve to white flowers that appear in early spring before the trees go into leaf. Paulownia has been successfully grown in the United States for more than 100 years. However, commercial plantations have only been in existence since the late 1980s. In the Southeast United States, Paulownia often serves as substitute for pine, poplar and other local hardwoods. The Paulownia tree is relatively fast growing and therefore has the ability to regenerate after harvest, making it ideal as a renewable source for timber and fiber for biomass production. The wood is light weight yet strong and useful for plywood, furniture, veneer, oriented strand board, paper making and log homes.

Significant research and development has been carried out to improve the genus and to develop new and distinct varieties that will grow in colder growing zones yet still demonstrate fast growth and drought tolerance. The Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia is a hybrid resulting from crossing selected offspring of Paulownia Elongata and Paulownia Fortunei with Paulownia Catalpifolia. This variety has the fast growing characteristics and drought tolerance of Paulownia Elongata, the straight growth characteristics of Paulownia Fortunei and the cold tolerance of Paulownia Catalpifolia.

The first act of asexual reproduction of the new form was accomplished in Lenox Ga. The clones of the new form are identical to the original plant in all distinguishing characteristics.

SUMMARY

The present invention, Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia, is a new and distinct variety of the genus Paulownia which combines the fast growing characteristics and drought tolerance of Paulownia Elongata, the straight growth characteristics of Paulownia Fortunei and the cold tolerance of Paulownia Catalpifolia. Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia can mature to a height of 30–35 meters and grow as far north as zone 5A on the USDA plant hardiness zone. This variety can withstand average annual minimum temperature between −15 to −20 F. and can be cultivated in areas that have as little as 6–12 inches of rain fall per annum.

The Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia also distinguishes itself from other Paulownia varieties with its sets of three branches evenly spaced around the tree trunk at approximately 120 degree increments. The additional fiber volume produced as a result of the tripod type branch network increases the fiber production of the tree 20% to 30% annually.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs show specimens of the new variety, with their foliage and flowers in different stages of development.

FIG. 1. A Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia tree at approximately 1 year in age grown in Lenox Ga.;

FIG. 2. A flower the Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia from 1 year old tree grown in Lenox Ga.

FIG. 3. Branches of a young Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia 6 month old grown in Lenox, Ga.

FIG. 4. Foliage of a young Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia approximately 6 months old grown in Lenox Ga.

FIG. 5. Typical Paulownia branch net work as is apparent on all other Paulownia Varieties. This photograph is of a 2 year old Paulownia Elongata grown in Lenox Ga.

FIG. 6. A flower from the Paulownia Elongata, a parent of the Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia grown in Lenox, Ga.

FIG. 7. A flower from the Paulownia Catalpifolia, a parent of the Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia grown in Lenox, Ga.

FIG. 8. Trunk of a 2-year old Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia grown in Lenox, Ga.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart, (2001) Edition. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations of averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The descriptions reported herein, unless otherwise stated, are from 6 month old and 1 year old specimens grown at a nursery and field plantings in Lenox, Ga.

-   Botanical classification: Paulownia referred to by the variety     denomination Anagenesis Trioflia. -   Parentage: The ovary of Paulownia Elongata was fertilized with the     pollen of Paulownia Fortunei to produce initial offspring. The ovary     of this offspring was fertilized with the pollen of Paulownia     Catalpifolia to produce the new and distinct variety of Paulownia. -   Propagation: The Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia has been asexually     reproduced in Lennox, Ga. and all clones are identical to the     original plant in all distinguishing characteristics. The seeds from     Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia were germinated and grown into     seedlings in a greenhouse. Micro-propagation and multiplication of     the original seedlings was performed by tissue culture. Rooted     tissue cultures were potted in standard potting mix and grown in a     greenhouse for 45 days before transplanting to the field. -   Plant description: The Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia is a deciduous     hardwood tree that is expected to matures to a height of 30–35     meters in 15–20 years. The mature tree is expected to have a full     umbrella like crown that measures up to 15 meters across. The 1-year     old Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia has a height of approximately 7     meters and measures up to 4 meters across. A mature Paulownia     Anagenesis Trifolia of between 15–20 years is expected to have a     trunk diameter that will reach between 800 mm to 900 mm. The 1-year     old Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia has a trunk DBH (diameter at     breast height) of approximately 75 mm. The mature tree has a trunk     shape that is terete with bark that is smooth to textured. The bark     has a black grey/grey color as referenced by the RHS Black Grey     group 202C to the RHS Grey group 201D. FIG. 8 shows an example of     the trunk of a 2-year old Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia. -   Foliage: Infant leaves, between 6 months old and 1-year old, reach     approximately 20 to 30 inches in diameter, are cordate in shape, and     have a green color as referenced by the RHS Green group 139A to 141B     with visible hirsute veins which have a yellow color as referenced     by the RHS Yellow group 2D. Mature leaves are much smaller,     approximately 8 to 12 inches in diameter, cordate in shape with     visible veins having a smooth margin and a hirsute texture. -   Fruits: The bi-valve fruit capsules are ovate in shape and form     during the months of April and May. The fruit capsules vary in color     within the RHS Grey Brown group 199C to N199D. The fruit capsules     mature during September and October and are approximately 1.5 inches     in length. Hundreds of wing type minute seeds are produced in each     capsule. -   Flowers: Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia typically exhibits 6 to 9     cyme inflorescence, approximately 2 inches in length. The flower     buds form in autumn and are light green in color. Flowers emerge     during March and April displaying a deep violet/blue color as     referenced by the RHS Violet Blue group 97A to the RHS White group     155A. The calyx is fleshy with 5 hirsute elongated lobes and a     companulate corolla tube. The ovary is bilocular and the pistil is     the same length as the stamens. There are 4 didynamous stamens which     are about half as long as the corolla. There are generally two     yellow stripes as referenced by the RHS Yellow group 3-B, running     the length of the corolla. The color of the flowers will vary     depending upon soil type, soil fertility and soil pH. The flower     color of the Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia differs from its parents     and all other Paulownia varieties. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the flowers     from the Paulownia Elongata and Paulownia Catalpifolia,     respectively, both of which are parents of the Paulownia Anagenesis     Trifolia. -   Form and branching: The Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia has a distinct     difference in branch characteristics from its parents and all other     Paulownia trees. Generally, Paulownia tree branches form in pairs     along the trunk that grow 180 degrees opposite each other. See     FIG. 5. The Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia however, has a tri-pod or     triplet branch network. In particular, the tree has sets of three     branches evenly spaced around the circumference of the tree trunk at     approximately 120 degree increments. See FIG. 3. The additional     fiber volume produced as a result of the tripod type branch network     increases the fiber production of the tree 20% to 30% annually. -   Tolerance: Paulownia Anagenesis Trifolia is more cold tolerant than     most other Paulownia varieties. Most Paulownia trees can be     cultivated as far north as zone 6B and can withstand an average     annual minimum temperature of 0 to −5 F. However, the Paulownia     Anagenesis Trifolia has been successfully grown as far north as USDA     plant hardiness zone 5A and can withstand an average annual minimum     temperature of −15 to −20 F. This new variety is drought tolerant     and can be cultivated in areas that have as little as 6 to 12 inches     of rain fall per annum. 

1. A new and distinct variety of Paulownia tree as shown and described, characterized by its flower color, fast growing characteristics, cold and drought tolerance, and tri-pod type branch network resulting in increased fiber production. 